Preparing for Readiness and Academic Improvement
for pre-School ELs (PRAISE)
Partnerships
At the core of PRAISE is a strong university–district partnership dedicated to advancing early learning through shared expertise, collaboration, and innovation. Florida Atlantic University and the School District of Osceola County work side by side to design, implement, and evaluate professional learning experiences that build instructional and leadership capacity across prekindergarten settings. Together, these partners are shaping a sustainable model for early childhood education that connects research, practice, and results for Florida’s youngest learners.
District Partners
The School District of Osceola County leads the on-the-ground implementation of PRAISE, engaging its Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) Program, Multicultural Department, and Leadership Development team in coordinated professional learning and classroom support. District leaders, principals, and instructional coaches work collaboratively with FAU faculty to ensure that professional learning translates into meaningful improvements in teaching and learning.
University Interdisciplinary Partners
The Florida Atlantic University Office of Educational Leadership Learning (OELL) and the Department of Curriculum and Instruction collaborate to design and deliver evidence-based professional learning for early educators and leaders. Drawing on the university’s strengths in instructional coaching, leadership development, and early literacy research, FAU serves as both a learning partner and research hub to document PRAISE’s impact and sustainability.
VPK Learning Network
The PRAISE VPK Learning Network connects educators, coaches, and leaders across schools through shared inquiry, data analysis, and instructional reflection. This visual network map illustrates these collaborative connections, demonstrating how knowledge and practices flow across the system—from classrooms to district offices to the university research team.